9 non-monogamy terms that show there's no one way to have a fulfilling relationship

More and more Americans are considering non-monogamous relationships like open relationships or polyamory.FG Trade/Getty Images

• Over the last decade, an increasing number of people are showing an interest in non-monogamous relationships.
• There's no single correct way to practice non-monogamy, so terms like "polyamory" and "open relationship" can help someone pinpoint their desires.

Non-monogamy, where someone has simultaneous relationships with more than one person, is becoming an increasingly popular relationship style.

One in nine Americans (10.7%) have reported being in a non-monogamous relationship, while one in six Americans (16.8%) have said they'd like to try one out, according to the results of a 2021 study from researchers at the Kinsey Institute.

On social platforms like Instagram and TikTok, people in non-monogamous relationships explain what it's like, sometimes using terms, like "metamour" and "compersion," that may be unfamiliar to people who have only been in monogamous relationships.

Since there's no one way to have a non-monogamous relationship, many terms describe certain setups people have with their multiple partners, like "polyamory" and "open relationship."

Here, Insider explains terms you may come across when discussing non-monogamous relationships.